Tottenham sack Postecoglou despite winning 1st title in 17 years

Tottenham Hotspur fired Ange Postecoglou as manager Friday, weeks after he led the club to its first major title in 17 years.

The north London side salvaged an otherwise catastrophic campaign when it beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final May 21. Postecoglou's outfit struggled with injuries all season and finished a club-worst 17th in the Premier League table.

"Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph," Tottenham said in a statement.

Postecoglou confirmed his departure in a separate statement, saying he has "enormous faith in this group of players" and that they shouldn't have to "wait 17 more years for their next success."

Brentford's Thomas Frank is a top candidate to replace the Australian coach, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Tottenham described the decision to part ways as "one of the toughest" club management has had to make and that his replacement will be announced "in due course."

Club chairman Daniel Levy has now fired five managers in the last six years.

Postecoglou only lasted two years in the job and had another two remaining on his contract. He was hired as Antonio Conte's permanent successor in June 2023 and lifted Tottenham to fifth place in his first season in charge.

Injuries to a number of starters, including marquee signing Dominic Solanke, defensive stalwarts Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, and playmakers Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, compromised this past season.

Tottenham lost 22 times in the league - the most any Premier League team has ever suffered without getting relegated.

Spurs were also eliminated from England's cup competitions in the span of a week in February, losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the second leg of the League Cup semifinal before falling 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round.

Postecoglou prioritized the Europa League as the club's domestic ambitions cratered. Spurs qualified for the round of 16 after finishing in fourth place in the league phase table and eliminated AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bodo/Glimt en route to the final in Bilbao.

The eventual win over United gifted them a Champions League berth, ensuring they won't miss out on tens of millions of pounds of revenue next term.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget," Postecoglou said.

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them."

Postecoglou confronted fans on occasion - he barked back at one supporter who questioned his team's performance in a March defeat to Fulham - but ultimately felt that they wanted him to succeed.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special," he added. "We are forever connected."